🔥 Chapter 33 — Intercepting the King's Patrols
Kael and Rhyne moved silently through the morning mist, following faint magical traces left by the King's eastern forces. The hub's destruction had forced his generals to send patrols to investigate, and Kael intended to intercept them before they could report back.
Rhyne crouched behind a boulder, whispering, "The patrols are small but fast. They're testing the area for reinforcements—and they'll notice the hub's destruction soon."
Kael extended the Ember, its threads of fire snaking over the ground like a living map. "We can use that to our advantage. If we disrupt these patrols quietly, we prevent early warning from reaching the King's main army. We need precision, not brute force."
Ahead, a trio of soldiers moved through a narrow path between ruined trees. Their auras pulsed faintly, enhanced by minor wards to detect intruders. Kael's flames flared softly, Ember threads weaving into the shadows to obscure their approach.
Rhyne whispered, "We'll split them up. Take them individually—no alarms, no reinforcements."
Kael nodded, guiding the Ember with delicate control. The threads moved like living tendrils, triggering small misdirections and tripping wards that would have alerted the soldiers. As each patrol member strayed into a false path, Rhyne struck with precision, rendering them unconscious without drawing attention.
Once the patrols were subdued, Kael traced residual magic toward a hidden camp further east. "The King's forces are gathering here. It's not just reconnaissance—they're preparing a counterstrike."
Rhyne's eyes narrowed. "Then we can't wait. If we strike smart, we can weaken them before they fully assemble."
Kael coiled the Ember around his arms, flames flickering in controlled pulses. "Agreed. But we need more information first. We must understand their numbers, formation, and magical defenses before we commit to an attack. A premature strike could backfire."
The wind carried faint traces of energy from the camp, revealing patterns of wards and troop movement. Kael's eyes glowed as he mapped the scene. "This is our chance. We destabilized the eastern hub, now we anticipate the King's next move and set our counterstrike—before he even realizes we've struck."
Rhyne gripped his blade tightly. "Then let's prepare. The battle isn't just coming—it's already begun."